The Great Mersey Pub Guide

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GREAT MERSEY

PUB GUIDE A TOUR OF SOME OF THE REGION’S BEST LOCALS

An ECHO supplement

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Tuesday, November 24, 2009

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MAKE MINE A PINT, PLEASE!

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OU can’t beat a good pint – and you can’t beat drinking it in a good pub. Which means we’re extremely lucky to live in Liverpool: the Capital of Pubs and Capital of Real Ale. A 32-page supplement simply isn’t big enough to include all the great boozers that this city and its surrounding areas have to offer, but we can at least give you a flavour of this beer-loving, pub-loving city.

You could do worse than merely treat all the pubs mentioned here as a starting point – visit a few of them and you’re bound to come across others worthy of your attention and patronage.

Yes, of course, you could easily turn your back on this region’s wonderful locals, stock up on cheapo supermarket booze and drink it in your home – possibly while watching Panorama or Midsomer Murders.

You could even just patronise bright and shiny places. You know the ones – they’ve been called all sorts in their time . . . wine bars, style bars, designer bars, magnets for fashion victims, footballers and WAGS – and, er, hell holes.

But that would be sad. Sadder than sad. Sadder, even, than a night in with Hazel Blears when there’s no ale in the fridge and nothing on the TV. Not even Panorama or Midsomer Murders.

Within the walls of our best pubs can be found friendship, company, community and camaraderie. Pubs are social centres. Pubs are meeting places. Pubs can be magical places.

You can lose yourself in a good pub – restore your spirit and restore your sanity (while, obviously, refuelling at the same time).

Adopted Scouser and former Liverpool player Jan Molby once summed up the spirit of life in Liverpool when he said “When it’s Tuesday night and you’re out having a bevvy, no one’s thinking about Wednesday morning”.

While the late actor (and drinker) Oliver Reed, when asked why he had spent so much time in licensed premises, said: “You meet a better

CHEERS: Our esteemed writer Paddy Shennan, right, in the bar of The Lion Tavern in Liverpool’s Tithebarn Street.

Inset above, Jan Molby

Supplement written and researched

by PADDY SHENNAN class of people in pubs.”

And Ollie should have known – he spent loads of time in them.

Not that we are advocating that Merseyside’s wage slaves spend every Tuesday – or every weekday – in pubse. Moderation in all things.

But the wonderful truth is that here in Merseyside, we are well-blessed with terrific, traditional pubs. Yes, we have some of the best locals in the country – and some of the best beer. And there is quantity as well as quality. The Good Beer Guide 2010, for example, contains 17 entries for Manchester city centre . . . and 23 for Liverpool city centre.

While, for some, pubs may be mainly about fruit machines, food, Sky Sports and standard bottles of mass-produced lager which they could buy in any pub or bar in any city in any country in the world, a great many other customers take their pub-going experience more seriously. Not seriously in an anorak, stroking their beer bellies and beards kind of way, but seriously in a “What’s the point in every pub on the planet being the same?”

There isn’t space, then, to feature all the excellent Merseyside boozers which deserve to be highlighted – but, it could be argued, this is a healthy state of affairs. If we were struggling to fill these pages because of a serious lack of characterful pubs across the region, then that would be bad news.

If you haven’t visited these pubs yet, what are you waiting for? It’s a journey – or crawl – which will no doubt lead to you discovering other places along the way which, due to lack of space, couldn’t be included here.

So happy reading, happy drinking and cheers to our very best pubs – long may they sustain us and make us very happy indeed!

ENJOY YOUR NIGHT OUT AND ...

LIVERPOOL Citysafe, the Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership, is pleased to be sponsoring the ECHO’s Great Mersey Pub Guide.

This month Citysafe is launching three new initiatives aimed at making the streets safer at night: ● TAXI MARSHALLING The taxi marshalling scheme is designed to help members of the public leave the city centre from a night out quickly and safely. It uses Security Industry Authority (SIA) trained uniformed staff to help maintain an orderly queue. Members of the public wanting a taxi home will join the queue and marshals will

direct them into the first available taxi.

Victoria Street taxi rank will be permanently marshalled every Friday and Saturday evening throughout the year from midnight until 4am.

There will also be a second rank marshalled but this rank will be dependant on the needs of the city. There will be two marshals at each rank

along with representation from Merseyside Police. ● BUSINESS SECURITY GRANTS Citysafe will be assisting businesses with less than 25 employees or those relocating to the city (excluding retail) in high crime priority areas of Liverpool with funding to improve their security. This may be in the form of additional lighting, locks, or possibly CCTV depending on individual needs. Businesses are required to complete an application form, gain three quotes for the work and have an assessment by the Citysafe Police Team.

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

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RAISE A GLASS TO THE GREAT AND THE GOOD

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STAY SAFE ● LICENSEES WATCH The Licensees Watch is being launched to strengthen the former Pub Watch scheme, embracing all licensed premises including off-licenses and supermarkets. It will look at the reduction of alcohol related crime and help make the city streets safer.

Citysafe is a partnership made up of Liverpool City Council, Merseyside Police, Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service, Health, Merseytravel, National Probation Service Merseyside, the universities, local businesses and community organisations working together to build safer communities.

Geoff Edwards, branch chair of

Liverpool and Districts CAMRA,

Campaign for Real Ale

ET’S hear it for great beer, great boozers – and great ambassadors for a thriving pub scene.

There is a real buzz around Liverpool at the moment. Beer festivals are being held – and well-supported – here, there and everywhere; small, local breweries are making a big splash; and more and more people are appreciating the delights of drinking real ale in real pubs.

During a tough economic time, when so many pubs are going to the wall across the UK, Liverpool – never a city to give in and go under – is bucking the trend of misery and mass closures.

Our thanks for this relatively healthy state of affairs should go to a great many people . . . the hard-working landlords, landladies and bar staff who put their hearts and souls into providing the very best service and products they possibly can; the tireless campaigners from Camra (the Campaign for Real Ale), who continue to spread the good news by promoting good pubs and good ale – and, of course, the customers who keep on coming back for more.

And, also, despite its well-documented difficulties of last year, we still have our major brewery – owners Sudarghara and Ajmail Dusanj bought Cains back out of administration in September 2008, when they completed a buy-out of the Toxteth brewery and the nine pubs they bought in their original 2002 takeover.

It was a controversial – and confusing – period, but it would be a supremely sad day, as anyone who enjoys their award-winning range of ales would surely agree, if the Cains brand ever disappeared.

Underpinning everything, with their ceaseless support of the local pub scene, is the Liverpool and District branch of Camra – volunteers who devote so much of their time and effort to flying the flag not just for Liverpool’s pubs, but the city, itself.

I have previously described its annual Liverpool Beer Festival as “The Mother And Father Of All Beer Festivals” – and that’s because it is.

Held in the Metropolitan cathedral crypt, it’s always sold-out, always atmospheric and always of the highest quality.

And this year’s event proved that it is about much more than people getting together to chew the cud while sampling a vast selection of ales from across the country.

Camra was keen to use the festival to stress that Liverpool has the potential to become a “national centre for beer tourism”.

As Geoff Edwards, chair of Camra Liverpool and Districts, said: “It has massive potential . . . Munich and Dublin have long had an international reputation for their beer and their pubs, attracting a massive number of people keen to experience both.

“Here in Liverpool we have an unrivalled combination of great pubs with great choice and quality of real ale. This is a great untapped opportunity to open up an additional niche market for tourism in Liverpool.”

And visitors to Liverpool’s real ale pubs – whether arriving from near or far – will always find a flavour of what the city and its surrounding areas have to offer when they pick up a free copy of the always-excellent, award-winning magazine Mersey Ale – the glossy, good-looking publication packed with facts and comment and produced by Camra Liverpool and Districts.

As well as its flagship festival in the cathedral crypt, Camra also stages the annual Liverpool Real Ale Pubs Festival, which sees drinkers making use of a free Festival Passport and Map, which gives details of the 70plus participating pubs and the principal events.

Yes, there’s a lot of promotion and a lot of passion surrounding the Liverpool pub scene – but, then again, there’s a hell of a lot to promote and a hell of a lot to be passionate about.

The campaigners will, I’m sure, carry on campaigning – more power to them and more power to the pubs and punters who benefit from their work.

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Tuesday, November 24, 2009

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HERE can be no better place to start a fantasy pub crawl through Liverpool than the boozer which sits just a few yards from Cains brewery.

If the various pints of various award-winning Cains ales are not going to taste like nectar in The Brewery Tap, on Upper Stanhope Street, they’re not going to anywhere.

Thankfully, the major made-in-Liverpool brews always seem to be in tip top condition at the terrific Tap. The only downside to this drinker’s delight is its location, although, to be fair, this is unavoidable – somehow, having Cains brewery situated slap bang in the middle of Church Street doesn’t seem like the most sensible of ideas.

Being a little out on a limb, however, can add to the pleasure – you have to actually make an effort to get here (but don’t panic, it really isn’t at the end of the earth – a short taxi ride will do it) and, once you have, you are more likely to savour your session.

It was known as the Grapes Inn between 1830 and 1990 (the old name is etched into the red brickwork above the entrance) and it remains a proudly traditional, old school pubs, complete with its classy wood interior, high ceiling, big windows and lovingly-crafted fixtures and fittings.

So you know what to do . . .

“Taxi!”

It isn’t too far to walk along the waterfront to celebrate the wonder of Wapping – aka The Baltic Fleet, a fine, Grade II-listed edifice which has its very own Wapping Brewery in the cellar, where brilliant brewer Stan Smith works his magic.

A stone’s throw from the Albert Dock and ECHO Arena, it enjoys a stunning location – even if many may view it as being off the traditional city centre pub crawl track (great place to either start, or finish, a crawl, though).

Like so many classic boozers, you won’t find any gaming machines, jukeboxes or pool tables here – remember the good old days when people were happy to drink and talk – and then drink and talk some more?

So, the Baltic is truly traditional, independent, easy on the eye – and a delicious delight for the tastebuds, which is where Stan Smith comes in.

LET’S START OUR TOUR OF SOME GREAT PUBS Stan The Man has been producing the award-winning range of Wapping beers for nearly eight years – and if you haven’t tasted his brews, well, we’ll say no more about it if you promise to head down to the pub at your next available opportunity.

Ma Boyle’s Oyster Bar (does anyone use its full title?), snugly tucked away in Tower Gardens next to Liverpool Parish Church (aka St Nick’s), has long been a happy haven and comforting bolt-hole for city wage slaves looking for some simple pleasures among the pain of their nine to five lifestyles.

Being tucked away and far from the madding and maddening crowd can add enormous value to a pub, not least when one of its two bars is downstairs – thereby removing it still further from the depressing reality outside.

The pub, which, unlike many, remained popular after undergoing a refurb a few years back, is still noted for its home-cooked food, not least its Scouse and famous fish dishes.

It’s also a big favourite of Ricky Tomlinson’s, who launched his autobiography here – as did, more recently, his good pal Charlie Landsborough.

Incidentally, if you can’t boast about yourself on your own website then where can you? I love the opening lines on Ma B’s home page: “Ma Boyle’s Oyster Bar was established in 1870, and now is everyone’s ‘favourite pub’ in Liverpool.”

Marvellous! But proving it in court – should all the other much-loved pubs in Liverpool decide to bring a collective action – could be tricky.

The Cornmarket is one of Liverpool’s oldest boozers and

THE CORNMARKET

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he Cornmarket is one of Liverpool’s oldest pubs and is situated right in the heart of the business community close to the railway stations and crown law courts.

History has it that the wooden panelling in the lounge was from the interior of the captains cabin of the clipper ship RIO DEL MAR and that the two entrances were because the pub was originally two inns, The Cornmarket and The Bulls Head!

Whatever the history you can now enjoy the wonderful atmosphere and sample chef’s famous hot food.

The Cornmarket bar is perfect for private parties and functions.

The Cornmarket, Old Ropery, Liverpool L2 7NT Tel: 0151 236 2131 Fax: 0151 227 1656 E-Mail: info@thecornmarket.co.uk

WELCOME: The Brewery tap, left, and, the Baltic Fleet’s Simon Holt

one of its biggest – almost hidden away in The Old Ropery, off Fenwick Street, in Liverpool’s business district it may give the impression that it’s on the smallish size, but this Tardis-like boozer seems to go on for miles inside.

If space is important to you, come and have a gander at its long bar, large back room, various luxurious seating areas (wow, look at that lavish leather furniture!) and heated beer garden, accessible from the right-hand side of the bar.

Landlord Kevin Smith, who has run the pub with his wife, Barbara, since 1990, must be one of the longest-serving mine hosts in town – and he knows more than most about the opportunity for privacy which such a large, tucked away pub can afford its clientele (should they be seeking it!)

As he told me: “I’ve been here that long, when a couple come in I can say to myself ‘That isn’t his wife!’

I can spot them – and I could write a book!”

Food is also big business in this big pub – if you

don’t believe me, what’s that dedicated serving area doing there? And why do so many hungry office workers find their way to it each weekday?

The Slaughterhouse, in Fenwick Street, is another of our oldest pubs – and it’s also said to be one of our most haunted alehouses. In fact, one ex-landlord told my former pub column colleague, Mike Chapple, that he was so spooked by the place he would never lock up at night alone.

But when it’s open, you’d rarely be alone in this thriving, atmospheric boozer, which, of course, has also been doing a roaring trade in its cellar in recent times, courtesy of The Laughter House comedy gigs.

It’s lively and full of ambience upstairs, and compact, cosy and full of ambience down below – I know, because me and the missus enjoyed a fantastic wedding anniversary bash in the Slaughterhouse basement many years ago.

The Crocodile (aka the Croc) is another pub which has a much-envied location, as it sits between major

Liverpool thoroughfares – Castle Street and North John Street/South John Street.

And, suitably for such a location, it can be all things to all people – well, certainly office workers looking for a relaxing and convivial oasis at lunchtime and teatime and younger people looking to belt out some Karaoke tunes, especially at the weekend.

I really can’t vouch for the latter – not being a young person and not being a Karaoke fan – but I know one thing . . . the Guinness in the Croc has always been glorious.

Recently, the pub has sought to further improve its “best of both worlds” feel, with the addition of the Baby Croc, which is separated from the Croc by a courtyard.

The bars have separate entrances, with the Baby Croc designed to appeal to older customers – if, for example, there’s Karaoke in the Croc, a singer might perform in the Baby Croc.

Too many pubs to choose from? We’ve only just begun.

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WALK ON: A pub tour, including, Kevin Smith at the long bar of the Cornmarket Pub in Fenwick Street, top, Ma Boyles, Water Street, left, The Slaughter House, Fenwick Street, below, The Baltic Fleet, in Wapping (top inset) , and The Crocodile Bar on Harrington Street, below

CLEAR: Baltic Fleet brewer Stan Shaw with the Magna 800

The Crocodile • 19 HARRINGTON STREET, L2 • 0151 255 1731 •

Friday & Saturday open til 2am — Sunday open til late

Fri 27th Nov Sat 28th Nov Sun 29th Nov -

Jimmys Karoake from 6pm Alan Cane from 7.30pm Alan Lee from 10pm Karaoke with Jimmy from 8pm

Thurs 26th Nov Fri 27th Nov Sat 28th Nov Sat 29th Nov -

Golden Oldie Karaoke from 8pm Richie from 8pm Randy King from 11pm Golden Oldie Karaoke from 8pm Alan Cane from 7pm

The Baby Croc HAPPY HOUR BECKS BOTTLE

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(terms & conditions apply)

11-6pm

£1.50

ALL LIVE SPORTS SHOWN HERE Sheltered Smoking Area in Courtyard with Outdoor TV

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Tuesday, November 24, 2009

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LL hail The Great Indoors! Walk into so many of this region’s life-enhancing pubs and you’ll find some spirit-lifting interiors.

Scruffy can be good.

Ramshackle can be appealing – but, equally, there is more than a place for easy-on-the-eye architecture and fine touches.

Liverpool and its surrounding areas are renowned for having some of the best-designed boozers in the country – and these pages merely feature a few of the many pubs (also featured, in their own right, as excellent pubs to drink in, elsewhere in this supplement) which boast sumptuous scenery.

The Lion Tavern at the corner of Moorfields and Tithebarn Street packs plenty of class into three rooms; including a glass dome, exquisite tile work and wonderful wooden panelling.

This was one of Robert Cain’s Victorian gems and, as such, it is the final word in craft, culture and quality – that etched and stained glass obviously took time and loving care to create, so make sure you take time to enjoy it, as well as the pub’s fine pints, the next time you call in.

Peter Kavanagh’s, on the edge of town in Egerton Street, Toxteth, has long been admired for its stunning interior – as well, of course, as being one of Liverpool’s most atmospheric pubs.

There’s nowhere quite like Peter Kavanagh’s, and there’s nothing quite like what you’ll find on the walls of its back rooms anywhere else in the city. They are lavishly decorated with awe-inspiring murals, and complemented by stained glass, leaded windows and ornate tiling – a feast for the eyes and so good for the soul.

There’s little more that needs to be said about The Philharmonic in Hope Street – in fact, you don’t really need to say anything, just walk in and around this huge and hugely popular pleasure palace and lose yourself in admiration.

It’s so easy to take great things for granted when you see them so often, which is what many of us who may choose the Phil as a convenient meeting place before heading off for a night of culture or to a restaurant may be guilty of doing.

Then again, it’d be pretty odd if, every time we walked in, we looked around in awe and exclaimed: “Wow! This is an architectural masterpiece.

Just look at THAT – and THAT, and THAT!” But, every once in a while, it’s worth taking time out to absorb its treasures – the mosaic floor, mahogany panels, stained glass, intricate carvings, the Grande Lounge with its chandeliers and leather furniture and so much else of beauty and sublime craftsmanship.

THE INSIDE STORY

It was – no surprise – commissioned by Robert Cain, and it was designed and built by brewery architect Walter W. Thomas, between 1898 and 1900.

He was asked to create a showpiece venue in the style of a gentleman’s club – and I think we can safely say he exceeded his brief by some considerable distance.

Doctor Duncan’s, in St John’s Lane, is another landmark Liverpool pub – and another architectural gem.

It has the look and feel of a pub which has been around for decades, but this real tonic of a boozer only opened for business as recently as 1999.

It was Steve Holt, the former managing director of Cains, who designed its interior and, not long after it opened its doors, DD’s received a high commendation in the best refurbishment category of the national Campaign for Real Ale and English Heritage pub design awards.

Landlord Peter Howarth is pictured here in the tiled room, which was previously the reception for the Pearl Assurance company (the building has also been used as a bus workers’ canteen and a Royal Navy recruitment office) – and judges described this as “one of the most impressive rooms in any pub in the country”.

They were, of course, spot on, and it’s no surprise, therefore, that it’s not easy to find a seat in there – but when you do, sit back and savour your sensational surroundings.

Over the water, in Price Street, Birkenhead, is a charming boozer called The Stork. Like the aforementioned Lion Tavern, it features an ornate bar and a “News Room”.

The only Birkenhead pub listed in Camra’s National Inventory of Pub Interiors of Outstanding Historic Interest, it also boasts leaded stained glass, a mosaic floor, Edwardian tile work and varnished woodwork.

Camra’s Liverpool Historic Pub Guide, meanwhile, highlighted comparisons between the Stork, the Lion Tavern, the Prince Arthur in Walton and the Edinburgh in Crosby, as all four were similarly designed.

So there you have it – the great outdoors may have its appeal, but so does the great indoors.

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STYLISH: Looking good, with interiors of pubs including The Philharmonic, above and top right, The Lion Tavern, middle right, Dr Duncan’s, left, and the Stork pub in Birkenhead, bottom right, and, far left, Inside the Peter Kavanagh's pub on Egerton Street in Toxteth

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Fabulous wine list also!

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Tuesday, November 24, 2009

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OUR TOUR GOES ON . . .

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T would be impossible, as we are already seeing, to embark on a comprehensive and wholly satisfactory pub crawl over a single night, or even weekend. There are – praise the Lord – far too many good pubs in and around Liverpool city centre to get around in several weeks, let alone several hours or days.

This, though, is a good thing – the more the merrier and the more time we can grant ourselves to visit them all at our leisure.

The best we can probably do is go on mini-pub crawls – which is pretty easy, because there are clusters of great pubs throughout the city (although, again, it has to be stressed that there aren’t enough pages here to feature all of Liverpool’s excellent, or even just pretty good, boozers).

Talking of clusters of great pubs, within a few yards, on and just off Dale Street, you’ll find Thomas Rigby’s and its accompanying bar The Lady of Mann, The Saddle Inn and Ye Hole In Ye Wall – hardly any crawling required here at all!

Thomas Rigby’s, a real old city favourite, is mighty in size and mighty in reputation. And no-nonsense licensee Fiona Watkin memorably described its appeal, especially when compared to the city’s trendier venues, by saying: “It’s a proper boozer. There are too many nancy bars. It’s all very nice going to those places for cocktails, but not if you just want a pint.

“I love pubs! I hate going to bars!”

Three cheers for Fiona – and her pub, which has gone from strength to strength since being taken over by the Isle of Man-based brewery Okell’s more than six years ago.

There’s a different atmosphere in each of pub’s three rooms: the large, main bar; the Nelson room at the back of the building (well, he is supposed to have popped in for a pint once), and the relaxed parlour on the right hand side of the pub.

Behind Rigby’s, beyond the boozer’s courtyard drinking area, is The Lady of Mann (formerly The Courtyard restaurant).

Fiona and her team were thinking of calling it Rigby’s 2 or Baby Rigby’s: “But I thought ‘nah, that’s c**p!” she explains, in her typically forthright way.

And so it became The Lady of Mann, in tribute to the famous ferry and, of course, Manx brewery Okell’s.

At first sight, especially on a run-of-the-mill weekday lunchtime, Rigby’s next door neighbour the Saddle may seem a typically traditional and understated city boozer, but this long-standing favourite attracts a wide range of customers at different times.

Towards the end of Capital of Culture year, a letter appeared in the ECHO under the headline “A great Scouse pub” – and it bears repeating.

E C (full name supplied) wrote: “Whilst out on Saturday night . . . myself and three friends decided . . . that we’d visit the Newz bar on harmonica to play instead of Water Street, which seems to house singing and 70-somethings crooning Wags and would be/wannabe Wags, away to Sinatra favourites. much to our amusement.

“We thought how refreshing it “After we’d decided we’d had would be . . . to bring the entire enough of mannequins with clientele of the Newz bar to the roller-filled hairdos we decided to Saddle to show them the normality find the nearest normal hostelry of a night out in Liverpool with real which, it seemed, was the Saddle people.”

Inn on Dale Street.”

Variety, it should be pointed out, E C added: “It was a joy to behold; is the spice of life – and Newz bar is instead of a quiet drink with Match a very popular venue. of the Day on the pub TV, we found Also, I prefer the Saddle during it had a house transvestite on its more low key times (no offence Karaoke, the local who brings in his

to those who enjoy a good old-fashioned knees up). The Guinness is impressive and, with its good value, home-cooked food, it’s a pub that fits in well in the business district on weekdays.

A few feet away, up Hackins Hey, is Ye Hole In Ye Wall, which is a real, best-of-both-worlds oasis – yes, it’s in the heart of the city, but it’s nicely tucked away up a tiny side street.

Once inside and a couple of pints to the good, you’ll feel like you

could be in a country pub or a quiet, characterful corner of the Lake District.

Ye Hole, which claims to be the oldest pub in the city (it’s not the only one!), boasts attractive dark wood panelling, leather seating, stained glass windows and comfortable side rooms tucked away from the main bar.

As with all the best pubs, its appealingly laid-back atmsophere, together with its location, means it’s easy to lose track of time when

you’re drinking here – and there’s nothing wrong with that, because it invariably means you’ll have (at least) one more pint than you planned to.

The Lion Tavern and The Railway, on Tithebarn Street, are also very near neighbours – and both have long been firm favourites of office workers and real ale lovers.

There were sharp intakes of breath when the Railway underwent a major refurb, but, when it reopened, at the start of last year,

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. . IN STYLE

GEMS: The Saddle Inn in Dale Street, top, Lion Tavern, Tithebarn Street, above, the Lady of Mann pub, Dale Street, left, and, below, Ye Hole in Ye Wall, Hackins Hey

GRAND: Thomas Rigby's pub in Dale Street Liverpool, and licensee Fiona Watkin, right.

Inset, left, The Railway pub, Tithebarn Street there were sighs of relief – cask ales were still behind the bar, and a tasteful, bringing-it-up-to-date makeover had brought new life (and a relatively sophisticated one at that – candles on the tables!) to the old place.

The Lion Tavern, meanwhile, continues to ply its ever-popular trade in real ales, specialist malt whiskies

and specialist, locally-sourced food – watch out for its famous cheese board and award-winning pork pies.

Pork pies and pints? It’s a cracking combination. Purists may scoff at food being served in pubs, but it’s important to keep that stomach lined – and it will give you more energy to enable you to continue your crawl . . .

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, LANDMARK: David Hughes, landlord of the Crow’s Nest in Crosby snug the in and, main picture,

COMEON,LET’S C

ROSBY is a place which has much going for it, not least its beach and the mean, moody and magnificent Iron Men which still stand upon it – despite that infamous, and appallingly misjudged, bid by some local councillors to have them evicted.

“We have a popular landmark on our shoreline, courtesy of acclaimed artist Antony Gormley, which is now the talk of the nation – so let’s get rid!” appeared to be the warped view.

In the end, people power and plain common sense won the day, but the whole episode just went to show that you shouldn’t take much-loved things for granted.

There would no doubt be a similar public outcry and protest campaign if – Heaven forbid – two of Merseyside’s best locals ever came under threat.

The Crow’s Nest in Victoria Road and The Edinburgh (aka the Bug) in College Road – two very different boozers, but both splendid places in their own ways – together represent the beating heart of the Crosby pub scene.

Their regulars are among the most loyal you’ll find anywhere, returning again and again and again – and again – for a taste of what makes each so special.

I have a foot in both camps, although not at the same time, but I’d probably faint if I ever came across certain drinkers from the Crow’s in the Bug and vice versa, such is the loyalty each shows to their respective favourite.

The Crow’s is snug and compact, but packs so much in – three distinctly different drinking areas; a lounge (which, itself, is split into two areas), a bar and snug.

It also serves up a pint of Cains which is kept every bit as well and tastes just as delicious as the Cains in the Brewery Tap pub next door to the brewery.

Its Guinness is also treated with respect although the general rule, such is the quality of the Cains, has to be – when in the Crow’s, stay with the real ale.

But for a real ale lover like myself, the Bug somehow pulls off a fantastic feat – it keeps on persuading me to sing its praises, despite its lack of cask beers. This is for several reasons – its Guinness, which is second to none, the welcoming and easy-going atmosphere generated by the pub’s punters and friendly staff, which is first class . . . and, if you’re in the mood, the jukebox (there is a quiet lounge, if you’re not in the mood) is a revelation (just make sure you’ve got plenty of pound coins to keep those hits from across the decades coming).

A Sunday afternoon sesh in the Bug, to bid farewell to friends who’ve been up for the weekend, is one of the great joys in life. I’ve had a fair few over the years – and I hope there’ll be many more.

There’s always something going on in Stamps, in Crown Buildings, in the centre of Crosby. It’s a small boozer and food and live music venue which belies its size by offering so much to its clientele.

It provides a comprehensive and imaginative menu of

real ales, top-notch grub and performances from bands who play everything from rock and pop to jazz and world music. And this bustling venue also offers internet access and WiFi – I can only guess what else it would lay on if it was twice the size.

Just down the road in Waterloo you’ll find old school pub the Volunteer Canteen – on East Street, a short walk away from the main thoroughfare of South Road.

But find anyone who calls it the Volunteer Canteen and, well, I’d be very surprised, because this, quite simply, always has been and always will be . . . the Volly.

A real local serving real ale, it’s a relaxing “let’s allow the customers to do the basics – drink and have a conversation – in a bit of peace of quiet” – type of boozer, which has to be a great recommendation.

But should we recap on a bit of history to explain that name? Yes, why not? The history of the building being used as a pub – despite a 1924 datestone, which actually marks a major refurbishment – goes back to 1871.

Later, between 1899-1902 (the Boer War), the building next to the pub became a volunteer drill hall. The Canteen Vaults thrived from the trade the thirsty volunteers brought, although it wasn’t until 1913 that the Canteen Vaults was renamed The Volunteer Canteen.

So there you have it.

Stamps Too, on South Road, has a motto: “Real Ales.

★★★★

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

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COASTIT Real Food. Real Music” – which is not a bad motto as mottos go.

It has a policy of supporting local performers, whether musicians, actors or artists, and offers its customers a wide range of music. And it also offers them real ale, supporting as many small independent brewers from the Merseyside area as it can.

All of which probably means it was no surprise for its customers when the place was handed the Community Pub award in Liverpool Camra’s 2009 awards, aka its “Real Ale Oscars”.

Up the coastline, The Freshfield Hotel, in Massams Lane, Freshfield, Formby, is a real ale paradise for its lucky locals – there’s always a great number of interesting offerings (you can even taste before you buy, to prevent waste) and when I was in the other week the Flat Cap bitter from Bolton’s Bank Top brewery and the Greene King IPA slipped down very nicely.

The Freshie is a vast place – but it’s big, warm and welcoming, as opposed to big, cold and characterless. In fact it’s so big, it wouldn’t even matter if there were people in who you really didn’t want to see – there is such a choice of drinking areas you could easily avoid them. Long may the Freshie – with its refreshing real ales and refreshingly attractive, and earthy, interior (wooden bar, wooden tables, wooden floor – you get the woody picture) – flourish.

Cheers to Sefton!

NORTH: The Edinburgh pub College Road, Crosby, top left, the Volunteer Canteen, in East Street, Waterloo, top right, Stamps and Stamps Too, in Crosby and Waterloo respectively, and, right, The Freshfield Hotel, in Freshfield, Formby

12 PUBS

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

★★★★

CITYSAFE–KEEPINGLIVERPOOLSAFE

OUR TOUR OF THE CITY . .

I

T’S always deeply sad when a favourite local closes its doors . . . but what joy when, after years of doubt and fear, it opens again – looking fresher, fitter and stronger than ever.

Such was the case with one of Liverpool city centre’s legendary pubs – the Vernon Arms in Dale Street, which remained closed for so long, amid obvious fears that it would never trade as a pub again.

But last April, this much-loved venue, where so many city council decisions were allegedly made in the 1980s and which featured in the ITV crime drama Liverpool 1 in the 1990s, was breathing again.

Merseytravel chairman Cllr Mark Dowd, who used to drink in the Vernon in its earlier heyday and whose offices are in nearby Hatton Garden, performed the ribbon-cutting ceremony, after the pub underwent a £10,000 renovation.

Landlord Jimmy Monaghan was the man who decided to take it on – and he deserves much credit, bearing in mind it had been used as a squat by down-and-outs and all the metal – including every water pipe – had been stripped out by thieves.

Boasting six hand pumps – four guest beers and two regulars – the Vernon remains a good friend to real ale lovers, and it has also retained its famously sloping floor and famously convivial atmosphere.

May it remain open forever!

The Poste House, in nearby Cumberland Street, very nearly succumbed to the bulldozers back in 2001, when development work went on all around it.

But a pub which dates back to 1820 wasn’t going to lie down and die – and, thanks to a stirring campaign from its many friends and supporters, it lived to enter a new era.

Noted for its nicely priced real ale and spirits, cosiness and friendly atmosphere, it’s one of the few pubs which has actually improved after undergoing a mini-refurb (it really is incredible how often a “makeover” can destroy a pub’s previously good vibe).

It’s a cracking little pub – central and yet, situated on a side street between Dale Street and Victoria Street, away from the crowds.

Back onto Dale Street – its very edge, close to the tunnel end – and the Ship and Mitre has long been held up to be Real Ale Central by beer lovers.

Having won so many accolades over the decades, it tasted major success again earlier this year when it was named Camra Liverpool and Districts’ Pub of The Year.

The pub, which has 12 real ales on at any one time, recently put a map up to reflect that it has now taken beer from every county in Britain.

It is also justifiably proud of its range of ciders, imported lagers and wheat beers – and the EIGHT beer festivals it stages during the year.

The Ship is also one of the few remaining art deco buildings in the city centre and, thanks to having such a

strong and well-deserved reputation as a beer lover’s paradise, attracts daytrippers from across the North West and beyond.

Doctor Duncan’s, over in St John’s Lane, by Queen Square (and already featured in The Great Indoors section of this supplement), is Cains Central, whereas, I suppose, The Brewery Tap is Cains On The Edge, or Cains Outskirts.

Anyway, the full Cains range is here, so it’s impossible to go wrong.

Well-placed for a pint before you get on a train – or after you’ve got off a train – or before you head to the Royal Court or for a meal in one of the many nearby restaurants, Doctor Dunc’s is an excellent place to sit and watch the world go by . . . well, it is if you sit in its handsome bar, and look out over St John’s Gardens.

Even closer to Lime Street station, Ma Egerton’s, aka Ma E’s, on the corner of Pudsey Street and Lord Nelson Street, has an olde worlde atmosphere which is reinforced by the old time live entertainment it provides and its theatrical connections (it’s within spitting distance of the Empire theatre, but don’t spit – because it’s not nice).

Ma E’s, previously known as The Eagle, takes its name from former Irish-born landlady Mary Egerton, who arrived in Liverpool around 1890 – while it’s hard to think of another Liverpool pub which will welcome such a cross-section of drinkers.

This is always the case with pubs near train stations, but this boozer also attracts customers who are visiting the Empire or the Carling Academy – punk fans and lovers of musicals, they all mingle happily together.

Ma E’s, a pub for everyone, is also famous for its theatrical photo gallery – so, along with enjoying a cracking pint of Guinness, feast your eyes on the likes of Marilyn Monroe, James Cagney, Marlene Dietrich, Fred Astaire, Clark Gable, Bing Crosby and John Wayne.

That’s pretty good company in what’s pretty much “the people’s pub” (or, at least, one of them).

VETERANS: The Poste House pub in Cumberland Street, main pic and below left, The Ship & Mitre in Dale Street, Ma Egerton’s Lord Nelson Street and Doctor Duncan’s, in St John’s Lane

★★★★

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

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. . PART 3 an at joins Jimmy and Barbara Monagh DATE: Cllr Mark Dowd (right) et Stre e Dal , Arms pub the official opening of the Vernon

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Tuesday, November 24, 2009

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CITYSAFE–KEEPINGLIVERPOOLSAFE

TIME FOR REFLECTION: Ex-ECHO man Brian Reade in the

Albert, Lark Lane. Main picture: The Albert bar

CLOCKWISE: The Edinburgh, Wavertree, top left, Allerton Hall, The Stables in Garston and The Willow Bank in Smithdown Road

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

★★★★

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WHAT LARKS! P

LACE: Lark Lane, Aigburth.

Time: any time, really. What you must do: go for a few pints in The Albert. For a few years, this place was my second home at weekends – which was some tribute to it as I lived several miles away.

But it’s hard to ignore the charms of a place like The Albert, which sits on the edge of Sefton Park and is so full of atmosphere.

It’s a grand and imposing building, but there’s nothing stuffy or staid about it inside. It’s an exceedingly laid-back boozer which encourages long and carefree sessions – no bad thing. Some pubs create their own worlds, and The Albert is certainly one of them. You could lose yourself in this place, and not simply because it’s so huge.

It has real ale, a good pint of Guinness and a – no, I’m not going to use the word “bohemian” just because we’re talking about Lark Lane – charmingly casual clientele.

Allerton Hall/The Pub In The Park, in Springwood Avenue, Allerton, is a totally different kettle of kippers – a family pub-cum-stately home for the masses.

A pub since 1996, it’s a beautiful, oh-so-easy-on-the-eye place – and it has some good beers, too (four real ales at any one time).

A multi-roomed affair, it’s easily able to cater for large families while not putting the dedicated, child-less drinkers off their ale.

The White Horse pub in Woolton

Not surprisingly, there’s a sense of history in the air (well, the building has been around for more than 200 years).

There is masses of dark wood throughout its ornate interior, together with tasteful chandeliers and high ceilings and, after a pint or two, you could convince yourself you were deep in the countryside.

There may no longer be a pub on every corner, but there is still, thankfully, The Edinburgh, on the corner of Sandown Lane and Orford Street, in Wavertree.

A boozer dating back to Victorian times, The Edinburgh (aka the Eddies), is a small, two-room affair, which pours forth excellent Cains bitter and a couple of guest ales – and provides the right conditions to indulge in that good, old-fashioned pub-based activity . . . talking.

The Eddie’s also has a popular Irish music session every Monday and a quiz on Tuesdays.

It’s a homely place which continues to remind many of a time – a happier time – when there were many more homely pubs just like this one on street corners throughout the land.

The Willow Bank, on Smithdown Road, Wavertree, provides plenty of real ale, and plenty of choice as to where to drink it – there’s the beer garden out front (perhaps not such an obvious choice at this time of year), the snug front bar or the large back lounge.

You should feel at home in the snug front bar, where there’s a dark wood vibe.

It’s even darker in the much larger back room (which also boasts snug corners ideal for whispering couples).

The Willow Bank has around six real ales on during the week and up to 10 at the weekend – and it also stages three four-day beer festivals a year.

Newish kid on the block The Stables, in Garston, is a former 19th century coaching inn which has already made a name for itself with its fine food. But this “pub and eatery”, on St Mary’s Road, is also beginning to make a splash in the real ale world – not least courtesy of the cask ale events held in the Courtyard at The Stables – so it’s obviously a venue that’s worth keeping an eye on.

Comfortable and welcoming real ale haven the Storrsdale, in Storrsdale Road, Mossley Hill, has been described as a hidden gem by those who have stumbled across it.

A two-roomed pub – lounge and bar, with the latter having a dartboard and jukebox – it boasts a relaxed atmosphere and a mix of locals and students among its clientele.

Over in Woolton, meanwhile, the likes of the Gardeners Arms, in Vale Road, and the White Horse, in Acrefield Road – honest-to-goodness, long-standing commuity locals – continue to keep the real ale flag flying.

South Liverpool has been dismissed as a real ale desert . . . but hold on to your horses, there, you critics, because there are plenty of places, including the ones mentioned here, where you can enjoy a good pint.

16 PUBS

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

★★★★

CITYSAFE–KEEPINGLIVERPOOLSAFE

LET’S HAVE A DAY OU

S

OMETIMES, you feel like getting away from it all.

Sometimes, you feel like a bit – or a lot – of space.

Sometimes, you feel like being in a pretty as a picture pub out in the country – or, at least, on the edge of a suburb or on the edge of town.

And here are just a few of the pubs which fit that particular bill here in Merseyside.

The Scotch Piper, in Southport Road, Lydiate, is a thatched and whitewashed beauty, with plenty of history and plenty of modern-day devotees.

While cheap and nasty, ten-a-penny bars of blandness have come and gone, this triumphantly traditional, homely and no-nonsense boozer continues to stand the test of time.

Basically, it follows the logic of the common sense maxim: if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it . . . and don’t give it a major “makeover”.

The building dates back to 1320, while the pub – which proudly calls itself the oldest inn in Lancashire (don’t be causing trouble by talking about boundary changes here) – is thought to have initially been known as the Royal Oak, until a highland piper, injured in the 1745 Jacobite rebellion, is said to have taken refuge at the inn and fallen in love with and married the innkeeper’s daughter.

It’s a great spot for some outdoor drinking when the weather’s kind, but it’s also a great spot for warm and cosy indoor drinking when the weather’s foul and freezing.

And – surprise, surprise – you won’t find any modern contraptions like fruit machines, big screen TVs, jukeboxes or gaming machines here. But you will find real ale, as well as real coal fires in two of its rooms, to ensure you’re as snug as a bug in a toasty pub in the depths of winter.

The Eagle and Child is out in the wilds – in Maltkiln Lane, Bispham Green, near Parbold (and Burscough, I’d say) – but, although I’ve been there several times please don’t ask me for detailed directions (best to go with a non-drinker who’s happy to drive, and who has sat nav).

But it’s well worth seeking out, for its fine array of real ales and fine food menu – oh, and it now has a deli/farm shop next door.

This country pub beauty was built in the mid-1700s and sits on the village green (think Camberwick Green but, er, with a pub). Its food is excellent, but let’s concentrate on the ale for now, because there’s a lot of it to concentrate on.

Thwaites original is the house brand, but there’s an ever-changing selection of real ales from small breweries within just 50 miles of the pub – and let’s hear it for the Moorhouses Black Cat Mild for a start, because that is a truly sublime pint.

OK, the grub – this is also a cut above, with dishes including roast breast of Croston Hall pheasant with spring onion mash and bourguignonne sauce and braised

ox tail with red wine sauce and mashed potato.

Basically, you’ll just have to go and find out for yourself – and I’m sure it will only be the first of many visits.

Thought to be the oldest pub in Wirral, The Wheatsheaf on Raby Mere Road in Raby is another much-loved country pub with an illustrious history.

With its whitewashed walls and thatched roof, together with Inglenook fireplaces and stone floors, it certainly ticks all the country pub boxes.

It specialises in real ale and real food – it serves a mouth-watering selection of nine real ales (three guests and six regulars – the latter including Thwaites and Bombardier).

Meanwhile, its restaurant – The Cowshed – has a comprehensive pub-style lunch menu and, in the evening, offers fine dining from an a la carte menu. Earlier this month, chef Emma Wombwell was named Chef of the Year in the Wirral Tourism Awards, run in conjunction with Wirral News.

Again, there is no room for TVs or jukeboxes here, so all you need to do is concentrate on the beer and grub while talking, if you wish, to your partner/friend/relation.

The Harp Inn on Quayside, off Marshlands Road, Little Neston, South Wirral, is another real ale paradise far from the stresses and strains of city and suburban shopping centres. It has five real ales on at any one time, including the likes of Joseph Holt’s, Timothy Taylor Landlord and Wadworth 6X. It has stunning views of the RSPB-protected marshes of the Dee estuary to the north and the foot hills of the Welsh mountains to the south and, unsurprisingly, is a spot much favoured by twitchers and ramblers.

But you don’t need to twitch or ramble to enjoy the Harp’s charms, and you don’t need to live in the country to enjoy ANY of these, and many other, fantastic pubs.

Happy hunting.

The Harp Inn, off Marshlands Road, in Little Neston

★★★★

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UT IN THE COUNTRY Lancashire’s oldest pub, The Scotch Piper, Lydiate

Eagle and Child at Bispham Green, near Mawdsley, West Lancs

THATCH: The Wheatsheaf at Raby Mere on the Wirral

18 PUBS

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

★★★★

CITYSAFE–KEEPINGLIVERPOOLSAFE

OUR TOUR OF THE CITY . .

I

F The Grapes, in Mathew Street, and The White Star, in Rainford Gardens just around the corner, were good enough for The Beatles (who, I reckon, concentrated too much on their music, at the expense of the ale), then they’re good enough for us.

These city favourites have been at the top of the popularity charts for years, and probably would be even if they were situated well away from Cavernland.

The Grapes has changed in tone and emphasis over the years – it underwent a major refurbishment in 1998, for example – but it remains a good, traditional city centre boozer which is rightly proud of its Beatles connections.

Thankfully, however, the aberration which once saw it rechristened The Famous Grapes was a relatively short one, bearing in mind its long and proud history – it was “Famous” from 1998 to 2002 (if you’re famous, of course, which The Grapes is, you don’t need to spell it out to people).

Back in the early 1960s, it was the only pub in Mathew Street, when it was surrounded by warehouses. Now it has more competition, but the Grapes will, I think, always hold its own.

The White Star is big in Liverpool and big in the Czech Republic (its football fans made the pub their HQ after arriving in the city to see their national side play their games at Anfield in Euro 96), although it’s also thought to have the SMALLEST beer garden in Liverpool (to be found at the back of the boozer).

It’s also big in Norway – the pub, in fact, has “twinning” links with bars in the Czech Republic and Norway.

The Star’s back room (news room) is an excellent place for a relaxing chat, with its leather chairs and its walls covered with local prints and White Star Shipping Line memorabililia.

There’s more White Star Shipping Line memorabilia in the bar, which is where many regulars are happy to stand and pass the time of day, as they enjoy real ale and real conversation.

The Beehive in Paradise Street is one of far-too-few pubs to be found smack bang in the middle of Shopping Central and, indeed, it suffered headaches and hassles during the biggest of big digs, which brought Liverpool One to its doorstep.

But it’s always been surrounded by big department stores (now, it’s simply surrounded by even more) and it’s always been a welcoming haven for shoppers who are tired of scurrying and yearn to start supping.

A short walk away, in Tarleton Street, off Church Street, there is another great shopping centre survivor – The Carnarvon Castle which, like the Grapes, foolishly lived under “The Famous” sign for a while . . . until a new landlord, Robbie Carney, took the chance to remove it during a tasteful refurb of the place.

The Carnarvon Castle opened in the 1880s and, at one time, it shared the street with seven other boozers. Now? It’s all alone.

Thankfully, however, it is cherished by its many regular customers and, as a traditional no TV, no jukebox boozer, and with a good selection of real ales, this comfortable bolt-hole looks set to continue appealing to future generations of discerning drinkers.

Not much more crawling is required to reach The Richmond in Williamson Street, by Williamson Square. I must have walked past this pub thousands of times but, for some reason, hadn’t popped in for a pint or four until last year – and only then because, with that giant Spider attracting the masses into town on a Sunday evening, there was no room at Doctor Duncan’s.

It’s a smallish boozer, with a cordoned-off, outdoor drinking-cum-smoking area, and the ale choice includes the delicious Deuchars IPA, Black Sheep bitter, Cains bitter and Bass bitter.

And if you look up, you’ll see a photograph of a smiling former customer – the Richmond was a happy home from home for the late, much-missed regular, Paddy Golden, and although he died before the licensee got the chance to put his photograph up on the pub sign, he knew it was going to happen.

Let’s finish this latest crawl with The Globe in Cases Street – one of THE great pubs in Liverpool city centre. And the world!

I’ve waxed lyrical about this gem of a place many times before – because of its friendly service, because of its friendly atmosphere generated by its friendly staff and customers, because of its especially relaxing back room, because of its well-kept real ales . . . and because standing by the large window at the front of the pub is a great place to watch the world rush by outside.

It’s a small Globe, but I wouldn’t like to paint it – because if I’m going to be in this brilliant boozer, I just want to be drinking.

CENTRE: The Richmond Pub, Williamson Square, top, and, inset right, its sign, and Frances Lloyd, above, outside the Beehive in Paradise Street

THE GRAPES Warm Friendly, Traditional Family Run Pub. Great Food and Ale

25 Mathew Street, L2. 0151 255 1525. Full Menu Served Daily

LIVE ENTERTAINMENT 7 NIGHTS A WEEK FEATURING

KARAOKE: THE FABULOUS, PAUL TOMMO, TONY FITZ ENTERTAINMENT: THE FANTASTIC KENNY FARRELL, MISS CINDY CRYSTELLE, GARY MURPHY, TONY G, ROBBIE POLLARD, CHERYL J, PLUS SINGALONG WITH BILLY & PAUL

OPEN: MON-THURS 12pm-2am FRI-SAT 12pm-4am SUN 12pm-3am

Plus Sunday 1-4pm

THE FANTASTIC PETE PRICE

Also SAM LEACH the first Promoter & Friend of THE BEATLES is here Thurs, Friday and Saturday, for book signing or just to have a chat

Why not visit our very cosy, warm and friendly Pub

THE BEACONSFIELD Traditional food served daily

23 North John Street, L2. 0151 227 2337 on the junction of Victoria Street Come Dance or give us a song with resident

DJ JOHN

with entertainment from

MISS CINDY CRYSTELLE, GARY MURPHY, ROBBIE POLLARD & FEMALE DUO BLACK & GOLD NOW SHOWING ALL THE SPORTS OPEN 7 DAYS TILL LATE. ALL FUNCTIONS CATERED FOR

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★★★★

CITYSAFE–KEEPINGLIVERPOOLSAFE

. . PART 4

CITY: The White Star, in Rainford Gardens, and The Grapes in Mathew Street, above left (and some famous customers) and, far left, The Carnarvon Castle, Tarleton Street, off Church Street, and, left, The Globe, Cases Street

The Richmond Pub 32 Williamson Street, L1 1EB

LAGER

BITTER

Carling Stella Carlsberg Fosters Becks

£2 £2.20 £1.90 £1.90 1.80

J Smiths Worthys Tetley Mild

Guinness Strongbow

£2.30 £1.80

Bud Becks

£1.60 £1.60 £1.60 £1.60

£2 Bottle £2 Bottle

CASK ALES £ 2 Monday to F riday

70 MALTS AL L £3 DOUBLE SUNDAYS Entertainmen t8 till late ALL LIVE SPO RTS EVENTS SHOW N

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Tuesday, November 24, 2009

★★★★

CITYSAFE–KEEPINGLIVERPOOLSAFE

THIS PINT’S REALLY GOT A GOOD HEAD ON IT . . .

I

T’S been an extremely rewarding few years for the Turks Head – and all who are lucky enough to drink in her.

The multi-award-winning boozer continues to ride on the crest of a wave, picking up prize after prize.

Currently basking in the afterglow afforded by being named St Helens Camra Pub of the Year 2009, the Morley Street real ale magnet was the Camra Liverpool and Districts Pub of The Year for 2007-2008, before going on to be awarded Camra Regional Pub of The Year (the first pub to win both accolades since 1999) and achieving a hugely-respectable runners-up position in the Camra National Pub of The Year awards.

That’s some CV. A traditional boozer which prides itself on offering a friendly welcome, it offers 12 handpumps and runs successful quiz, curry and jazz nights.

Licensee Amanda Roue and her partner Daryl Arrowsmith were inspired by a visit to a pub in neighbouring Wigan: “Amanda had the idea for this pub from going into the Royal Oak (in Standishgate, Wigan) and seeing all the real ales lined up,” explained Daryl. “And whenever I walked into a pub which had as many real ales as we now serve here, I always thought I was in heaven.”

That’s because you were, Daryl.

Amanda has described her pub as being a “traditional, real ale free house” while Geoff Edwards, chairman of the Liverpool and Districts branch of Camra, hailed it as a “genuine community pub”.

They’re both right.

Also in St Helens – as well as possibly the world’s best meat pies, courtesy of Birchall’s (go and seek them out) – you’ll find the Abbey Hotel in Hard Lane, which, at this year’s St Helens Camra awards, received a certificate from Camra’s St Helens sub branch in recognition of it offering at least one locally brewed real ale as part of the Camra LocAle scheme to promote local breweries.

The same award was handed to the Eagle and Child and Junction Inn pubs in Rainford.

Real ale festivals held in pubs, I’m delighted to say, are becoming

increasingly popular and the aforementioned Junction Inn, in News Lane, packed them in at its latest event in August.

Members of local Campaign for Real Ale groups were among those who supported the event, said to be growing in popularity every year, and the most popular brews included Mongrel, from the Marston Moor Brewery, and the Allgates beer Midsummer Madness. Elgood’s Mad Dog and Beewyched from the Wychwood brewery also went down well.

Well-blessed with decent boozers, Rainford also has the Star Inn, on Church Road, which I was happy to be introduced to by my former ECHO colleague Martin

Rigby, aka Rainford Man and The Woollyback.

Assuring me it was “a beltin’ place” – well, that’s just the way he talks – he was careful to also stress: “You’ll need your passport, mind, for when we arrive at border control on the East Lancs.”

His local? Like Rainford, itself, it’s charming – good real ales, tasty food and an interior which impresses with its dark wood and clean and classy look. There’s also a decent-sized beer garden at the back.

Basically it and several other places in and around Rainford and St Helens, including those featured here, are well worth the short trek from Liverpool.

And don’t forget the pies!

IT’S BELTIN’: The Star Inn Pub, Rainford

★★★★

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CHEERS: Amanda Roue, left, landlady of The Turks Head, St Helens, above and main picture, a Camra Liverpool and District Branch Pub of the Year for 2007/2008

AND CHEERS AGAIN: Helpers Neil Burrows, Steve Stafford and Charlie Harrison enjoying The Junction beer festival in Rainford

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★★★★

CITYSAFE–KEEPINGLIVERPOOLSAFE

The Telegraph, thought to be New Brighton’s oldest pub

The Queen's Royal in New Brighton

The Cheshire Cheese in Wallasey Village

SWINGING ARM 61-63 CHURCH ST, BIRKENHEAD

JAM NIGHT - Every Monday & Tuesday HOMEMADE SCOUSE AVAILABLE - Fridays & Saturdays QUIZ NIGHT - Every Sunday Thurs 26th Nov RATTLE BUS Fri 27th Nov BUMPER BLUES BAND Sat 28th Nov EL GRINGO

Thurs 10th Dec THE SAVAGE OUTLAWS Fri 11th Dec JALEPENO’S Sat 12th Dec DR. DUKE

Thurs 3rd Dec SHED SPIDERS Fri 4th Dec GYPSIES Sat 5th Dec FUGITIVE

Fri 18th Dec BUMPER BLUES BAND Sat 19th Dec ACE/DC Christmas Eve SKINNY LIZARD

www.myspace.com/theswingingarm 0151 666 1666

★★★★

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

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SWING OVER HERE FOR A VISIT

N

CHEERS: The Swinging Arm in Birkenhead and, left, the pub’s Sandi and Eric Hughes.

Inset top: The Stork Hotel in Birkenhead

ORMALLY, in the world of pubs and drinking a “swinging arm” is something to be avoided at all costs. But you would be a fool to deny yourself the pleasure of a pub of the same, admittedly strange, name in Birkenhead.

This place, The Swinging Arm, to be found on Church Street, and with stunning views of the Liverpool waterfront, had been recommended to me by my former colleague, and pub column veteran, Mike Chapple.

Let’s get the name out of the way first – it apparently refers to the rear suspension of a motorbike (going to pubs, you see, can be very educational).

Just a short walk from Hamilton Square, the pub is run by former engineer Eric Hughes, his wife, Sandi, and their son, Rick.

And Eric is right when he describes the sight which greets you from one of the pub’s settees at the back of the boozer as: “One of the best views in the world”.

My advice is to visit during the hours of darkness for full, spectacular effect. And there’s plenty for the real ale lover to feast his or her eyes on, too – currently, you can enjoy Timothy Taylor Landlord and a beer called Shipwreck from the new Liverpool Organic Brewery.

There is also the fine Continental lager Staropramen on draught, while, food-wise, there are hot pies during the week and Scouse on Fridays and Saturdays.

The Swinging Arm is basically

one pretty large room, which, as well as the aforementioned bar and comfy seating area, also features a pool table, jukebox and a stage for bands to play – and a lot of them do.

Elsewhere in Birkenhead, on Price Street, is the old, olde worlde favourite The Stork, which features in this supplement’s Great Indoors section. Built in 1840, it lies between Hamilton Square and Conway Park train stations and possesses that most priceless of appealing pub traits: a relaxing, laid-back atmosphere.

And as well as its famed ornate bar, marvellous (restored) mosaic floor and lovely, leaded stained glass, it serves up an ever-rotating selection of fine real ales, such as the terrific Timothy Taylor Landord.

Mine hosts Karen and Larry Murphy have now been at the pub for 20 years, with Karen saying: “The customers joke that the pub comes with its original fittings and original landlady!”

The Stork also prides itself on being at the heart of its community – its welcoming function rooms host monthly meetings for organisations including Greenpeace, the Laurel and Hardy Society, the National Federation For The Blind and a local poets’ group.

Over in New Brighton, two pubs have been celebrating their first and now second appearances in the esteemed Camra Good Beer Guide (the, possibly ahead of itself, 2010 Guide was recently published).

The Telegraph Inn on Mount

Pleasant Road is actually thought to be New Brighton’s oldest pub.

It is hailed as a friendly, traditional local and is a popular outlet for a number of real ales, including those from the local Brimstage brewery, while it also hosts two annual beer festivals – in May and September. In addition, it puts on live folk music nights and serves good value grub.

Over on the Marine Promenade, the Queen’s Royal also sells Brimstage Brewery ales. A large restaurant and bar, the Queen’s is airy and modern and also has a drinking area outside. And, like the Swinging Arm, this is another pub which, thanks to its location, is able to provide its customers with stunning views.

The Cheshire Cheese, in Wallasey Village, is a friendly community local, which offers its customers a choice of rooms – snug, bar, lounge and a courtyard drinking area. It stages regular beer festivals and, in 2007, was proud to be named Wirral Camra Pub of The Year.

More cask ales and a warming, community vibe are also waiting for you at the cracking little one-roomed gem Stanley’s Cask, which you will find in Rake Lane, Wallasey.

This, then, is just a small flavour of what is waiting for you over the water from Liverpool – and even if you get pathetically homesick for the big city after your short journey through the tunnel, there are always those fantastic views to savour, along with so many fine beers.

24 PUBS

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

★★★★

CITYSAFE–KEEPINGLIVERPOOLSAFE

OUR TOUR OF THE CITY . .

S

OME pubs simply can’t fail to impress, such is their pedigree. Take The Fly In The Loaf, on Hardman Street, for example – a striking exterior, a striking (it goes on for miles) interior and some strikingly good real ales.

Oh, and in 2007 it was named the best pub in Britain by listeners to Radio Five Live.

That, you must agree, is pretty impressive.

Not only that, but the station’s Weekend News show was broadcast “live from The Fly” to mark its achievement (it was actually broadcast from the “Duncan Ferguson Suite” at the far end of the bar, so-called because it includes the wood panelling from the ex Blue’s former snooker room).

An Okell’s establishment, like Thomas Rigby’s in Dale Street, the Fly’s landlord is Dominic Hornsby, who, as any self-respecting real ale fan will know, is married to Fiona Watkin, licensee at Thomas Rigby’s in Dale Street.

The Fly has been flying (sorry) since 2004 (the building previously housed the famous Kirklands wine bar and, before that, the famous Kirklands bakery) and is showing no signs of crash landing (sorry, again).

How can it when, like Thomas Rigby’s in fact, it provides quality beers and quality service in a quality environment?

The Dispensary, which Dominic used to run in a previous life, sits on the corner of Renshaw Street and Oldham Street, just yards from the busy Bold Street, Berry Street, Leece Street/Hardman Street interchange.

Another city centre “local”, it provides a warm and friendly drinking environment,

great service and great Cains ales. It looks the part, too – it was bought by Cains in 1998 and re-invented as a Victorian style alehouse (shortly afterwards, it won a Camra/English Heritage pub refurbishment award).

And so onto the force of nature that is the mighty Swan Inn, in Wood Street. A Good Beer Guide regular, the Swan also appeared in last year’s The Rough Pub Guide, by Paul Moody and Robin Turner.

This, make no mistake, is a fantastic compliment (the book’s sub-heading is “A Celebration Of The Great British Boozer”).

And the guide stresses: “As will be obvious from the text, it is a humorous look at the pubs we love, and inclusion . . . is not a criticism of the premises featured. On the contrary, we think they’re all great.”

They selected just 50 of the country’s most characterful pubs, although it’s still a pity that Liverpool only receives one entry – more power, though, to the Swan, which came in at number 39!

The Swan, as you should all know by now, is loud (owing to its thunderously good, heavy-duty jukebox), proud, but also laid-back, thanks to its “take us as you find us” attitude and atmosphere.

An altogether different pub – variety is the spice of life in the Liverpool drinking scene – is the Roscoe Head, in Roscoe Street, one of only 10 pubs in the country to appear in every edition of the Good Beer Guide.

Almost hidden away, off the Leece Street/Hardman Street drag, it’s small, cosy, intimate and incredibly homely – yet there’s still plenty of choice regarding where to park

TAKE YOUR MEDICINE: The Dispensary, Oldham Street, and,

yourself; a bar area, snug and two lounges.

And as well as its friendly and relaxing atmosphere, it’s well-known and well-loved for its well-kept ales – the Jennings’s bitter always goes down well!

The Crown on Lime Street is, due to its location, one of the first and last boozers people experience when they arrive in/leave Liverpool by rail. And it should leave them with good memories, because it’s a traditional, no-nonsense pub which has a large, open-plan lounge and a good-sized back lounge, from where you can happily stare at those poor souls dashing to Lime Street station, safe in the knowledge you have no plans to go any further than the bar for another pint.

It received a mini-revamp not too long ago, which involved all the marble and stained glass being cleaned and some new stained glass being put in, while there was also a repainting job and some new carpets laid.

Another traditional city centre favourite is The Beehive on Mount Pleasant, which is celebrated for being a really lively “local”, despite being in the heart of Liverpool.

There’s been a lot of crawling going on here, but I still feel I should mention the Augustus John, in Peach Street, off Brownlow Hill, by the University of Liverpool, and The Cambridge, on Mulberry Street, again in University land.

Both offer warm welcomes, good beer – and yes, you may even learn a thing or two if you get into conversation with some very clever students.

The good pubs in Liverpool city centre just keep on appearing around every corner – and we’re still not finished yet.

right, The Swan Inn on Wood Street

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

★★★★

PUBS 25

CITYSAFE–KEEPINGLIVERPOOLSAFE

. . PART 5 BIG NAMES: The Crown in Lime Street, main picture, and, top and right, The Roscoe Head, Roscoe Street, Liverpool city centre. Below: The Augustus John pub in Brownlow Hill

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26 PUBS

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

★★★★

CITYSAFE–KEEPINGLIVERPOOLSAFE

A VERY GOOD YEAR FOR BEER I

T’S been a good year for Southport’s real ale pubs, with three more of them joining other pubs from the resort in the recently-published 2010 edition of the Good Beer Guide (2010? Yes, it’s confusing, isn’t it?).

The Lakeside Inn, on the Promenade – already celebrated in the Guinness Book of Records as being the smallest freestanding pub in Britain – The Bold Hotel on Lord Street and The Volunteer on Eastbank Street all feature in the guide, thereby joining The Cheshire Lines on King Street, Baron’s Bar in the Scarisbrick Hotel on Lord Street, The Windmill Inn on Seabank Road, The Mason’s Arms in Anchor Street, Wetherspoon’s Sir Henry Seagrave on Lord Street and The Guest House on Union Street.

Joe and Jan Anderson, licensees of the pint-sized Lakeside Inn, are, naturally, delighted. Joe said: “Before we took on the Lakeside Inn there were no real ales on at all.

We only have an extremely small cellar but we have managed to put on London Pride and Tetley’s Cask and they are kept in very good nick.

“I used to work for Tetley’s brewery and used to run The Ship in Haskayne, so I’ve been involved with real ale for years. If I don’t know how to look after it, I should pack it in!

“It’s a terrific award to have – fantastic news.”

The Lakeside is just 22ft by 16ft and is licensed to hold only 50 people, but it could be described as “deceptively spacious” (no, really), thanks to its large mirrors, which give the illusion that the interior is bigger than it actually is.

Baron’s Bar may be part of the Scarisbrick Hotel but this wonderful real ale venue has a distinct

identity of its own. It offers an extensive choice of beers from various micro-breweries and also stages popular beer festivals.

And its medieval, baronial hall-like setting – with its dark wood, drapes, benches and thrones – also helps to create a very special, and different, atmosphere.

The Guest House on Union Street is a big pub which succeeds in pulling its considerable weight, thanks to a fine selection of real ales and its light, airy rooms, attractive leather furniture and classy wood panelling.

Much smaller, but no less rewarding, is the Mason’s Arms, which is tucked away, like a well-kept secret, on Anchor Street, close to the hustle and bustle of the nearby shopping areas.

But, in spirit, it’s a million miles away from shopping land – and it’s a place to make a beeline for if you’re a fan of Robinson’s ales.

The Windmill, on Seabank Road, heading towards the Promenade, boasts a pretty large interior and a pretty large exterior – a beer garden found at the front of the boozer. And this is a place to come to if you’re a fan of Theakstons.

Easy on the eye is the small, Tudor-style, half-timbered Cheshire Lines, on King Street, which, as befitting its name, has its walls adorned with railway prints. There’s plenty going on here, including quizzes on Wednesdays and Sundays, a singalong on Thursdays and live music on Saturdays.

This is just the briefest of tastes of a town which is continuing to make a big name for itself in the real ale world – a trip to the seaside, it seems, is becoming more appealing with every passing year!

BIG: The Guest House on Union Street, Southport

s, on King Street, Southport

GEM: Half-timbered Cheshire Line

STARTER’S ORDERS: Baron’s Bar in the Scarisbrick Hotel, Southport

MAKE MINE A HALF: Joe and Jan Anderson, licensees of the pint-sized Lakeside Inn, delighted with its inclusion in the Good Beer Guide

THE PLACE FOR THEAKSTONS: The Windmill on Seabank Road, Southport

★★★★

PUBS 27

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

CITYSAFE–KEEPINGLIVERPOOLSAFE

WAVE THE FLAG: The Mason's Arms, Anchor Street, Southp

ort

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28 PUBS

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

★★★★

CITYSAFE–KEEPINGLIVERPOOLSAFE

OUR TOUR OF THE CITY . .

T

IME, thankfully, appears to stand still in Ye Cracke, a unique Liverpool pub which resolutely remains the same year after year after year.

There would be an enormous outcry if this Rice Street hostelry ever sacrificed its traditional boozer beliefs and long-held values.

It is the antithesis of anything and everything that is new, shiny, glitzy, glam, posh and pretentious – the Cracke (how many people insist on calling it Ye Cracke? Not many, I don’t think) just gets on with doing what it does best . . . providing a casual, comfortable haven for those who are really not that bothered about keeping pace with the fads and fashions of modern life.

The Cracke, which always has a decent selection of real ales, has as many airs and graces as the similar-in-spirit Swan Inn over in Wood Street (which is also owned by Old Hall Inns and Taverns, as is the Cracke’s near neighbour, the Pilgrim) – absolutely none whatsover.

It welcomes anyone and everyone, and the fact that its clientele respresents such a cross-section of Liverpool life simply adds to its appeal and “all human life is here” feel. Yet another Tardis-like Liverpool pub, it boasts (wait for it) . . . a small bar at the front, a back room leading to a beer garden (great view of Liverpool Cathedral in one corner), a main bar and adjacent seating area, complete with murals on the walls, and a quiet side room known as The War Office.

Just down the hill in Pilgrim Street, The Pilgrim is another laid-back pub which effortlessly makes its customers feel at ease.

And it always helps a pub’s cause, I feel, when the drinking is done below street level – further removed from the everyday bustle of the city outside.

The Pilgrim’s drinking booths also add to the atmosphere, as does its attractive brickwork – yes, it’s very easy to walk down the stairs and into the Pilgrim’s comforting arms, but it’s not always easy to leave.

We have already discussed the Philharmonic’s breathtaking beauty, and it really does make it an attractive place to park yourself for an evening’s drinking (I recommend the Guinness here).

If you can time it so you get a table in the Brahms or Liszt rooms (not an easy thing to do) then all the better, but, on busy nights, there are far worse places you could be than on your feet in the large bar – drinking and taking in your amazing surroundings.

Further along Hope Street, towards Paddy’s Wigwam, it’s always worth popping into The Casa, where, after a drink or three, you’ll probably (if you’re of a certain age) start recalling the dear days of the Casablanca nightclub/drinking den, where you used to go after the pubs shut.

But first, you should really toast those determined sacked Liverpool dockers who revived and reopened this landmark Liverpool location as a warm and welcoming bar, bistro

and community centre.

The Everyman Bar and Bistro is just a few doors away. Like the Pilgrim, it provides another excellent basement drinking experience – and, with its real ales and famously fresh, reasonably-priced and often locally-sourced food, it’s been a big favourite in the city for the last 35 years.

Back the other way now – it’s common for a sense of direction to go out of the window when you’re on a pub crawl – and we shall pop into The Belvedere on Sugnall Street, off Falkner Street. A small and charming Victorian Grade II listed building, it was, not too long ago, taken over by Lion Tavern landlord John O’Dowd, who knows a thing or 500 about running a quality pub serving quality ales.

Easy to miss and yet situated in an excellent spot in the heart of Liverpool’s Georgian quarter, it has the feel – like The Roscoe Head in Roscoe Street – of being a traditional, out of town local.

A snug, two-room affair, the Belvedere may be small in size, but it’s big on atmosphere and appeal.

Sometimes, it’s the little things which stay with you after you’ve visited a pub – and so it was for me following a visit to the Grapes on Knight Street (known as the “Little Grapes”).

An attractive, understated pub, it obviously takes a pride in itself – evident when, just as I swooped on a newly-vacated table, a barmaid swooped to gather up two empty glasses and an empty crisp packet.

Those of you who have, at times, found it difficult to enjoy your pint because you’re still staring at the debris left by some earlier carousers – sometimes a whole table of dirty glasses and empty crisp and peanut packets – will know where I’m coming from.

The (Little) Grapes is housed in a very old building and, I’m glad to say, benefits from its old-fashioned values – which, as well as the good service, also include ensuring the beer is top-notch and that there’s an easy-going, relaxed atmosphere.

These, of course, are big and important things, whatever the size of the boozer.

Is that enough crawling around Liverpool city DRAMATIC: The Everyman Bar and Bistro centre? No, not really, it in Hope Street, above, and, right, it’s that just represents the tip of pub again, The Philharmonic an enormous iceberg – but I wish you all the best for when you start out on your own, no doubt very fulfilling, adventures.

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

★★★★

PUBS 29

CITYSAFE–KEEPINGLIVERPOOLSAFE

. . PART 6 TIMELESS: Ye Cracke pub in Rice Street, Liverpool, also main picture

SIZE DOESN’T MATTER: The “Little Grapes” on Knight Street

WELCOME: The Belvedere pub in the city centre

HERITAGE: The Casa bar on Hope Street

GREAT VIEW: The Pilgrim pub in Liverpool's Pilgrim Street, with, right, assistant manager, Janine Curran

30 PUBS

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

★★★★

CITYSAFE–KEEPINGLIVERPOOLSAFE

NOW EIRE’S A COUPLE OF GEMS

GREEN LIGHT: Pogue Mahone bar staff Ona Creegah and Amanda Treanor with regular, Joe McDonnell, celebrate St Patrick's Day with a well-deserved pint of Guinness in the Seel Street hostelry

T

HEY sit at opposite ends of town and, while not being related, share a similar passion and outlook. At various times over the years, it’s seemed as if Liverpool has “boasted” hundreds of Irish pubs – but, of course, a lot of these weren’t authentic Irish pubs at all, but “Oirish” pubs which probably thought a spot of fiddle-de-dee and the odd picture of a leprechaun would do the trick.

Fakery and naffness has abounded in the past, but quality always comes through in the end – which is where Pogue Mahone in Seel Street and Shenanigans in Tithebarn Street come in.

Both serve superb pints of Guinness and both are reminiscent of the best of Dublin’s supremely laid-back and atmospheric boozers, where dreary reality can be put on hold for a while and you can start to feel properly human again.

Pogue Mahone is a warm, well-scrubbed and comfortable pub, with its deep leather chairs by the fireplace in the main area to the left of the bar, and a quiet hideaway around the corner.

There always seems to be something in the air here, something going on – or about to go on, whether it’s a quiz or games night, music night and so on.

Shenanigans is the same, with its open mic nights, live music and assorted special nights.

So you can simply sit back and savour the Guinness and the atmosphere, or join in and get a buzz off the energy and enthusiasm which both places generate.

You know from the moment you walk in that they are the sort of places which just want you to take things easy; to absorb their laid-back mood, as well as their excellent Guinness.

These, then, are proper, not plastic, Irish pubs. If they have a theme, it’s a very simple one – quality.

The best pubs, whether here in Liverpool, over in Dublin, or anywhere else for that matter, make their customers feel valued and make their customers feel relaxed and at home . . and I’ve always felt right at home in both Shenanigans and Pogue Mahone.

Cheers to the black stuff and cheers to them!

EIRE WE GO: Shenanigans pub on Tithebarn Street in Liverpool city centre

TRADITIONS: Eureka on Halsall Lane, Ormskirk

★★★★

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

PUBS 31

CITYSAFE–KEEPINGLIVERPOOLSAFE Try Paddy Shennan’s fun Liverpool pub quiz

GO WEST, YOUNG MAN

O

VER yonder West Lancashire way, just past top field . . . (no, I can’t go on with this feeble geographical stereotyping – it’s a bit geographist. Is that a word? It is now) . . . you’ll find several decent pubs, including those on this very page.

Eureka on Halsall Lane, on the edge of town (which might make it sound a little dangerous, but it’s not!) may not have the best or most traditional pub name in the country (or in Ormskirk), but it IS a traditional boozer in many ways.

I was delighted to find a wide range of real ales when I visited – but yes, I resisted the temptation to shout “Eureka!”

– and I was also impressed to find it extremely busy with drinkers and diners at teatime in midweek.

The food was going down well with people of all ages, and so was the beer (although only with people over 18).

Eureka also has a beer garden, covered smoking area and children’s play area.

The Greyhound, in Aughton Street, towards the centre of town, is a long-standing Ormy favourite and a classic community local which doesn’t just look and feel but IS the part.

Landlord Joe Kelly – who says his pub, which always has three real ales on, is “as traditional as you can get” –

obviously knows a good thing when he sees it, because he’s been here 12 years.

Within striking distance of Ormskirk is delightful Parbold, which is much more than just a hill and stunning views of rolling countryside.

It also has a canal . . . and a train station . . . and some fine pubs, which cater for hungry diners as well as thirsty beer drinkers.

The Wayfarer, on Alder Lane, is the biggest of the bunch and gives as much attention to looking after its ales as it does to its popular food menu.

Then you can head towards the centre of the village for similarly welcoming, warming and watering food and drink experiences at the (recently done-up, but in a good way) Windmill, on Mill Lane, and The Stocks Tavern, on Alder Lane at its junction with Mill Lane.

And if you’ve got the time, walk up the hill for some damn fine views!

EVERYONE loves a good pub quiz – although some people perhaps love them a bit too much.

In decades gone by, many teams arrived in readiness for their weekly quiz fix with carrier bags crammed with encyclopaedias and various other reference books.

These days, pesky little cheats simply text furiously, which is the cue for friends and family back home to carry out frenzied Google searches.

Come on boys and girls, that’s not the way to do it.

It’s only a bit of fun. It’s only a quiz.

Isn’t it?

What follows is, most definitely, just a quiz – and there are no prizes, either!

1. Legend has it that Adolf Hitler, Prince Philip, Jack The Ripper suspect James Maybrick, Bob Dylan, Blondie’s Debbie Harry and Noel Gallagher of Oasis – quite a varied clientele – all enjoyed a drink in this Liverpool pub. Which one was it?

Allegedly.

2. Producer Colin McKeown’s crime drama, Liverpool 1, starring Samantha Janus and Mark Womack, shot scenes in which Liverpool pub (which was also a favourite of Derek Hatton’s)?

3. Which Liverpool pub has featured in every single edition of Camra’s Good Beer Guide?

4. Name the pub, bang next door to the Clayton Square shopping centre, where you’ll find old guys (and girls) – and younger people, too! – belting out tunes of an afternoon.

5. Where is Camra’s annual Liverpool Beer Festival held?

6. Which famous Liverpool pub, with a famous interior, was the first pub which city-born author and comedian Alexei Sayle drank in?

7. Name the 18th century diarist/poet/critic who said: “There is nothing which has yet been contrived by man by which so much happiness is produced as by a good tavern or inn”?

8. And which 19th century wit and writer said: “Work is the curse of the drinking classes.”?

9. There is a pub, a very good pub, within the walls of the Scarisbrick Hotel on Lord Street, Southport. What is it called?

10. What is the name of Camra’s fantastic – and free – magazine?

ANSWERS FAVE: Joe Kelly, landlord at the Greyhound Pub, Aughton Street, Ormskirk

1. The Poste House on Cumberland Street.

2. The Vernon Arms on Dale Street. 3. The Roscoe Head on Roscoe Street. 4. Cooper’s.

5. The Metropolitan cathedral crypt. 6. The Philharmonic on Hope Street. 7. Samuel Johnson. 8. Oscar Wilde. 9. Baron’s Bar. 10.

Mersey Ale.

THE BIG ONE: The Wayfarer, on Alder Lane, Parbold